Brown University Museum Repatriates Hawaiian God Stick and Artifacts
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Brown University’s Haffenreffer Museum plans to return four sacred Native Hawaiian items, including a tapa cloth, fishhook, stone adze, and a plaster god stick cast, starting March 25, 2026. These culturally important objects will be sent back to the Native Hawaiian community, honoring their heritage and traditions. No costs or hazards are involved, just a respectful handoff of history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four Sacred Hawaiian Items Returned
Brown University's Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology intends to return four sacred Native Hawaiian items — one tapa (kapa) textile (83-141a-b), one fishhook (61-472), one stone adze (68-10003), and one plaster cast of a god stick (60-4607) — to the Native Hawaiian community. The repatriation may occur on or after March 25, 2026, and the museum states there is a connection between these items and the Hui Iwi Kuamo[revaps].
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Kellie Bowers, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, 300 Tower Street, Bristol, RI 02809, or by email at [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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